Section 8: Sources of other useful information

Transcription

1 Section 8: Sources of other useful information 157

2 Fertiliser use The following are available from the Fertilisers Manufacturers Association, Greenhill House, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6GF (Tel ). Best Fertiliser Quality Fertiliser Spreaders Choosing, Maintaining & Using Code of Practice for the prevention of water pollution from the storage and handling of solid fertilisers Code of Practice for the prevention of water pollution from the storage and handling of fluid fertilisers British Survey of Fertiliser Practice (annual priced publication) Agricultural Lime the Natural Solution. The Agricultural Lime Association, 156 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9TR (Tel ). Phosphate and potash removal by crops. Available from The Potash Development Association, Brixtarw, Laugharne, Carmarthen, SA33 4QP (Tel ). Specification for Topsoil. British Standard BS Available from the British Standards Institute, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL (Tel ). The Analysis of Agricultural Materials. MAFF RB427. This book is out of print but copies are available through libraries. Hislop J and Cooke IJ (1968). Anion exchange resin as a means of assessing soil phosphate status: a laboratory technique. Soil Science journal, volume 105, pages FACTS (Fertilisers Advisers Certification and Training Scheme). Contact FACTS, 34 St John Street, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1GH (Tel /346138). Soil survey publications. Available from the Soil Survey and Land Research Centre, Cranfield University, Silsoe, Beds, MK45 4DT (Tel ). WELL_N. Available from the Horticultural Development Council, Bradbourne House, Stable Block, East Malling, Kent ME19 6DZ (Tel ) Organic manure use The following are available free from MAFF Publications, Admail 6000, London SW1A 2XX (Tel ). Controlling soil erosion A manual for the assessment and management of agricultural land at risk of water erosion in lowland England (1999), PB4093 Opportunities for saving MONEY by reducing WASTE on your farm (2000), PB4819 The following are available from ADAS Gleadthorpe Research Centre, Meden Vale, Mansfield, Nottingham, NG20 9PF (Tel ). MANNER computer programme (2000). Managing Livestock Manures Booklet 1 Making better use of livestock manures on arable land. Managing Livestock Manures Booklet 2 Making better use of livestock manures on grassland. Managing Livestock Manures Booklet 3 Spreading systems for slurries and solid manures. 158

3 Codes of Practice and Regulations The following are available free from MAFF Publications, Admail 6000, London SW1A 2XX (Tel ). The Water Code Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water (1998), PB0587 The Air Code Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Air (1998), PB0618 The Soil Code Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Soil (1998), PB0617 The following are available from MAFF Forms Section, Alnwick (Tel ) Guidelines for Farmers in NVZs (1998), PB3277 Manure Planning in NVZs (1998), PB3577 Code of Practice for Agricultural Use of Sewage Sludge (1996). Available from DETR Publications Sales Unit (Tel: ). Price The Fertilisers Regulations 1991 (SI 2197); The Fertilisers (Amendment) Regulations 1995, No 16; The Fertilisers (Amendment) Regulations 1997, No The Stationery Office, London. The following are available from Water UK, 1 Queen Anne s Gate, London, SW1H 9BT (Tel: ) or ADAS Gleadthorpe Research Centre, Meden Vale, Mansfield, Nottingham, NG20 9PF. (Tel ). The Safe Sludge Matrix Guidelines for the Application of Sewage Sludge to Arable and Horticultural Crops (2000), AMPU/A/1 The Safe Sludge Matrix Guidelines for the Application of Sewage Sludge to Grassland (2000), AMPU 1234/B/1 The Safe Sludge Matrix Guidelines for the Application of Sewage Sludge to Agricultural Land (2000), AMPU 1234/C/1 The Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989 (SI 1263); The Sludge (Use in Agriculture) (Amendment) Regulations 1990 (SI 880). The Stationery Office, London. The Pollution Prevention and Control (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 (SI 1973). The Stationery Office, London. 159

4 APPENDIX 1. DESCRIPTION OF SOIL TYPES Light sand soils Soils which are sand, loamy sand or sandy loam to 40 cm depth and are sand or loamy sand between 40 and 80 cm, or over sandstone rock. Shallow soils Soils over chalk, limestone or other rock where the parent material is within 40 cm of the soil surface. Sandy soils developed over sandstone rock should be regarded as light sand soils. Medium soils Medium textured mineral soils that do not fall into any other soil category. Deep clay soils Soils with predominantly sandy clay loam, silty clay loam, clay loam, sandy clay, silty clay or clay topsoil overlying clay subsoil. Deep clay soils normally need artificial field drainage. Deep fertile silty soils Soils of sandy silt loam, silt loam to silty clay loam textures to 100 cm depth or more. Silt soils formed on marine alluvium, warp soils (formed on river alluvium) and brickearth soils (formed on wind blown material) will be in this category. Organic soils Soils that are predominantly mineral with between 6 and 20% organic matter. These can be distinguished by darker colouring that stains the fingers black or grey and gives the soil a silty feel. Peaty soils Soils that contain more than 20% organic matter derived from sedge or similar peat material. 160

5 Assessment of Soil Texture Accurate measurement of soil texture requires laboratory analysis, but for practical purposes texture can be assessed by hand using the following method: Take about a dessert spoonful of soil. If dry, wet up gradually, kneading thoroughly between finger and thumb until soil crumbs are broken down. Enough moisture is needed to hold the soil together and to show its maximum stickiness. Follow the paths in the diagram to get the texture class. START Is the moist soil predominantly rough and gritty? Does soil stain the fingers? no Sand Is it difficult to roll the soil into a ball? Loamy sand no Does soil mould to form an easily deformed ball and feel smooth and silky (butter)? no Does soil feel smooth and silty as well as gritty? no Sandy loam Sandy silt loam Silt loam no Does soil mould to form a strong ball which smears, but does not take a polish? Also rough and gritty Clay loam Sandy clay loam no Also smooth and silky Silty clay loam Soil moulds like plasticine, polishes, and feels very sticky when wet Clay Also rough and silky Sandy clay Also smooth and buttery Silty clay A texture triangular diagram, defining the particle size distribution for each named texture class, is given in Appendix D of Controlling Soil Erosion (MAFF PB4093). 161

6 APPENDIX 2. SAMPLING FOR SOIL MINERAL NITROGEN (SMN), ESTIMATION OF CROP NITROGEN CONTENT AND MINERALISABLE NITROGEN Direct measurement or estimation of the components of SNS provides the most reliable basis for nitrogen decisions in a wide range of situations. See page 10 for more detailed information. It is important not to confuse SNS (Soil Nitrogen Supply) and SMN (Soil Mineral Nitrogen). Although SMN is usually the most important component of SNS and the one that is commonly measured by laboratory analysis, calculation of the SNS needs measurement or estimation of all components of the SNS using the guidelines below. Soil Nitrogen Supply (SNS) = SMN + estimate of total crop nitrogen content + estimate of mineralisable nitrogen where: Soil Mineral Nitrogen (as kg/ha N) is the nitrate-n plus ammonium-n content of the soil within the potential rooting depth ofthe crop, allowing for nitrogen losses. Total crop nitrogen (as kg/ha N) is the total content of nitrogen in the crop when sampling for SMN is carried out. Mineralisable nitrogen (as kg/ha N) is the estimated amount of nitrogen made available for crop uptake from mineralisation of soil organic matter and crop debris during the growing season Sampling and Analysis for SMN The results of analysis for SMN will only be meaningful if the sample is taken correctly and analysed using recognised procedures. In general, laboratory analysis is very accurate and the main source of error is when taking the soil sample. The results of analysis on a badly taken sample may be misleading and can lead to expensive mistakes if wrong fertiliser decisions are taken. Targeting fields for sampling Since sampling and analysis is costly, it is not realistic to measure SMN in every field in every year. Measurement will usually be most worthwhile in fields where high and uncertain soil nitrogen residues are expected. Typical examples are: where organic manures have been regularly used following crops where large quantities of nitrogen-rich, leafy crop debris have been left where long leys or permanent pasture have been recently ploughed out (but not in the first year after ploughing out) where there have been crop problems such as lodging of cereals Analysis for SMN is not recommended on peaty soils or in the first season after ploughing out long leys or permanent pasture. In these situations, nitrogen released by mineralisation of soil organic matter is a large component of the SNS and is difficult to predict accurately. Sampling of nitrate retentive medium, clay or silty soils is more worthwhile than on nitrate leaky sandy or shallow soils, in which SMN levels are usually low and more predictable. Sampling is not currently recommended in grassland systems or for established fruit, vines or hops. 162

7 Taking the soil sample Time of sampling On medium textured, deep silty or clay soils in Central or Eastern England, samples may be taken in autumn or spring. In high rainfall areas, or on shallow or light sand soils, samples should be taken in late winter or early spring (January onwards) but before any nitrogen fertiliser is applied. Avoid sampling within 2 3 months after application of nitrogen fertiliser or organic manures. Depth of sampling For most crops, sampling should be done in 2 or 3 depth layers (0 30, 30 60, cm). Sampling to the full 90cm is recommended when sampling from January onwards. Sampling to 60 cm is satisfactory when sampling in the autumn. If sampling to 60 cm and deep rooted crops are to be grown, an estimate of the mineral nitrogen in the cm layer must be made. For shallow rooted crops (e.g. some vegetables), sampling to 30 cm is all that is needed. Method of sampling Samples must be taken to be representative of the area sampled. Areas of land known to differ in some important respects (e.g. soil type, previous cropping, application of manures or nitrogen fertiliser) should be sampled separately. A minimum of 10 individual sub-samples should be taken from the sampled area, and more if practically feasible. It is important to avoid cross-contamination of samples from different depths. Using a mechanised 1 metre long gouge auger is a satisfactory and efficient method. If each depth layer is to be sampled individually by hand augering, then a series of screw or gouge augers should be used where the core diameter of the equipment is progressively narrower as the sampling depth is increased. Transport to the laboratory Mineral nitrogen levels can change rapidly during storage of samples. After sampling, samples should be kept refrigerated and transported rapidly to the laboratory. Analysis should be carried out as soon as possible after sampling. Analysis in the laboratory Samples should be analysed for nitrate-n and ammonium-n. Use of potassium chloride as a soil extractant is a suitable analytical method. The analysis results need to be converted into kg/ha of soil mineral nitrogen in each depth layer and then summed to give a value for the whole soil profile. 163

8 Estimating the Crop Nitrogen Content It is important to estimate the nitrogen content of any crop that is present at the time of soil sampling. This is often a small though important component of the SNS. In cereal crops, this can be assessed according to the number of shoots present (main shoots and tillers), as follows: Shoot number/m 2 Crop nitrogen content (kg/ha N) Use the lower figure when assessing crops in late autumn and the higher figure for crops in early spring. In oilseed rape, the nitrogen content of an average density crop can be assessed by measuring the average crop height. Crop height (cm) Crop nitrogen content (kg/ha N) Estimating the Nitrogen that will be Released from Mineralisation of Organic Matter Nitrogen mineralised from soil organic matter and crop debris after soil sampling is a potentially important source of nitrogen for crop uptake, though in mineral soils of low to average organic matter content, the amount of mineralisable nitrogen will be small and not practically significant. Research has not yet identified a preferred laboratory method that is suitable for routine use. Measurement of the topsoil organic matter content, anaerobic incubation techniques or computer modelling can give useful indications. As a guide, a soil that has a topsoil organic matter content of 10% may release kg/ha more potentially available nitrogen than an equivalent soil with 3% organic matter content, or kg/ha where the topsoil organic matter content is 20%. This nitrogen becomes available gradually through the year. In contrast, the nitrogen in crop debris is released rapidly as a pulse following incorporation into the soil. 164

9 APPENDIX 3. SAMPLING FOR SOIL ph, P, K AND Mg The results of a soil analysis will only be meaningful if the sample is taken in the field in the correct way and analysed in the laboratory using recognised analytical procedures. The recommendations in this book are based on the use of specific soil analysis procedures (see pages 5 and 17) and should not be used where other procedures have been used. In general, laboratory analysis is very accurate and the main source of error is when taking the soil sample in the field. The results of soil analysis from badly taken samples may be misleading and can lead to expensive mistakes if wrong fertiliser decisions are taken. The following sampling procedures should be used when sampling arable, vegetable or grassland. Recommendations for sampling fruit, vines and hops are given on page 120. Time of Sampling In most systems, soil ph and nutrient levels other than inorganic N change slowly, so it is not necessary to resample and analyse every year. In general, sampling every fourth year is satisfactory as a basis for fertiliser recommendations, but ph may need more frequent monitoring. Sampling must be carried out at a time when the soil nutrient status is in a settled state. To allow meaningful comparison between analysis results from different 4 year cycles, a sampling strategy should be developed, so that samples are taken at the same point in the rotation and with respect to recent fertiliser or manure applications and soil cultivations. Leave as long as possible between the last fertiliser or manure application. If possible, sample after the last fertiliser or manure application has been cultivated into the soil. Do not sample within 6 months of a lime or fertiliser application (except nitrogen). Sample at the same point in the rotation and well before growing a sensitive crop (e.g. sugar beet). Avoid sampling when the soil is very dry. 165

10 Depth of sampling Uniformity of sampling depth is particularly important where crops are established without ploughing or in established grassland. Where there is little or no mixing of the topsoil, nutrients from fertiliser and manures tend to remain in the surface few centimetres of the soil. There is a standard depth for sampling depending on the crop rotation. Arable and field vegetables Long term grassland Sample to 15 cm depth Sample to 7.5 cm depth Method of sampling The soil sample must be representative of the area sampled. Areas of land known to differ in some important respects (e.g. soil type, previous cropping, applications of manure, fertiliser or lime) should be sampled separately. Small areas known to differ from the majority of a field should be excluded from the sample. A sample of 25 individual sub-samples (cores) will be adequate for a uniform area. The sub-sample points must be selected systematically, with an even distribution over the whole area. This may be achieved by following the pattern of a letter W and taking sub-samples at regular intervals. Do not take samples in headlands, or in the immediate vicinity of hedges, trees or other unusual features. Sampling equipment A gouge corer or screw auger may be used when sampling in arable or vegetable systems, or for fruit, vines and hops. In grassland systems or where the soil is not cultivated, only use a gouge or pot corer which can take an even core of soil throughout the sampling depth. This is not possible using a screw auger which should not be used in these situations. Acid soils On soils where acidity is known to occur, more frequent testing may be needed than the 4 year cycle used for P, K and Mg analysis. Since acidity can occur in patches, spot testing with soil indicator across the field is often useful. Soil indicator can also be useful on soils which contain fragments of free lime since these can give a misleadingly high ph when analysed following grinding in the laboratory. 166

11 APPENDIX 4. CLASSIFICATION OF SOIL P, K AND Mg ANALYSIS RESULTS INTO INDICES Index Phosphorus Potassium Magnesium Olsen s P Resin P Ammonium nitrate extract mg/litre (2 ) (2+) > over 280 over 3600 over 1500 This classification should only be used where the methods of laboratory analysis used follow the procedures described in Specification for Topsoil (British Standard 3882) or The Analysis of Agricultural Materials (MAFF RB427) or, for resin P, the method described in Hislop and Cooke (1968) Anion exchange resin as a means of assessing soil phosphate status: a laboratory technique. 167

12 APPENDIX 5. PHOSPHATE AND POTASH IN CROP MATERIAL Phosphate (P 2 O 5 ) Potash (K 2 O) kg/t of fresh material Cereals Grain only (all cereals) Grain and straw winter wheat/barley * spring wheat/barley * winter/spring oats * Oilseed rape Seed only Seed and straw * Peas Dried Vining Field beans Potatoes Sugar beet Roots only Roots and tops Grass Fresh grass (15 20% DM) Silage (25% DM) Silage (30% DM) Hay (86% DM) Kale Maize Silage (30% DM) Swedes Roots only Broad beans French beans Beetroot Cabbage Carrots Cauliflowers Onions Bulbs only Sprouts Buttons Stems Bulbs * Offtake values are per tonne of grain or seed removed but include nutrients in straw. Example Winter wheat yields 10 t/ha of grain. The straw is baled and removed from the field. Phosphate offtake = 10 x 8.6 = 86 kg/ha P 2 O 5 Potash offtake = 10 x 11.8 = 118 kg/ha K 2 O Source: Phosphate and potash removal in crops (Potash Development Association) 168

13 APPENDIX 6. SAMPLING ORGANIC MANURES FOR ANALYSIS The nutrient content of slurry can vary considerably within a store due to settlement and crusting. Similarly, the composition of solid manure in a heap can vary depending on the amount of bedding and losses of nutrients during storage. If stored materials are to be analysed either in a laboratory or using a rapid on-farm method, it is important that the sample taken represents an average of what is found in the store or heap. Sampling Stores or Heaps It is important, where practical and safe, to take several sub-samples. Take these from a range of positions within the store or heap, bulk them together, mix them and then take a representative sub-sample. Send this to the laboratory for analysis or test it on-farm with a slurry-n meter or slurry hydrometer. Slurries Take at least five sub-samples of 2 litres each, pour into a larger container, stir thoroughly and pour a 2 litre sample immediately into a smaller clean container. This is the sample for analysis. Above-ground stores. Ideally, slurry should be fully agitated and sub-samples taken from the reception pit. If this is not possible, and provided there is safe access from an operator s platform, the five sub-samples can be taken at a range of positions, using a weighted 2 litre container attached to a rope. Below-ground pit. It may be possible to obtain sub-samples at various positions using a weighted container as above. However, never enter the pit, as lethal gases may be present. Earth-banked lagoons. Do not attempt to sample direct from the lagoon unless there is a secure operator s platform which provides safe access. If the slurry has been well agitated, sub-samples can be obtained from the slurry tanker or irrigator. If the tanker is fitted with a suitable valve, it may be possible to take five subsamples from the stationery tanker at intervals during filling or while field spreading is in progress. Solid manures Take at least ten sub-samples of about 1 kg each as described below, and place on a clean, dry tray or sheet. Break up any lumps and thoroughly mix the sample. Then take a representative sample of around 2 kg for analysis. Manure heaps. Provided the manure is dry and safe to walk on, identify at least ten locations which appear to be representative of the heap. After clearing away any weathered material with a spade or fork, dig a hole approximately 0.5 metres deep and take a 1 kg sample from each point. Alternatively, take sub-samples from the face of the heap at various stages during spreading. Weeping-wall stores. Do not attempt to take samples before the store is emptied as it is not safe to walk on the surface of the stored material. Sub-samples may be taken from the face of the heap once emptying has commenced. Sampling during Spreading Trays placed in the field can be used to collect samples from a slurry or solid manure spreading system while the material is being spread. Take care to avoid the possibility of injury from stones and other objects which may be flung out by the spreading mechanism. 169

14 Sample Containers and Analysis On-farm rapid analysis of slurries should be carried out immediately after sampling, making sure that the sample taken is well mixed. Slurry samples sent to a laboratory should be dispatched in clean, screw-topped 2 litre plastic containers. Leave at least 5 cm of airspace to allow the sample to be shaken in the laboratory. Solid manure samples should be transported in 500 gauge polythene bags. Expel excess air from the bag before sealing. Clearly label all samples on the outside of the container or bag and dispatch them immediately, or within a maximum of seven days of sampling if kept in a refrigerator. 170

15 APPENDIX 7. ANALYSIS OF SOME FERTILISER AND LIMING MATERIALS Percentage nutrient content Nitrogen fertilisers Ammonium nitrate Liquid nitrogen solutions Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) % N 18 30% N (w/w) 26 28% N Ammonium sulphate 21% N, 60% SO 3 Urea 46% N Phosphate fertilisers Triple superphosphate 47% P 2 O 5 Di-ammonium phosphate 18% N, 46% P 2 O 5 Mono-ammonium phosphate 12% N, 52% P 2 O 5 Potash, magnesium and sodium fertilisers Muriate of potash 60% K 2 O Sulphate of potash 50% K 2 O, 45% SO 3 Kainit 11% K 2 O, 5% MgO, 26% Na 2 O, 10% SO 3 Sylvinite 21% K 2 O, 26% Na 2 O Kieserite (magnesium sulphate) 25% MgO, 50% SO 3 Calcined magnesite 82% MgO Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) 16% MgO, 33% SO 3 Agricultural salt 50% Na 2 O Sulphur fertilisers Ammonium sulphate 21% N, 60% SO 3 Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) 16% MgO, 50 55% SO 3 Liming materials Neutralising Value (NV) Ground chalk or limestone Magnesian limestone 50 55, over 15.3% MgO Hydrated lime c.70 Burnt lime c

16 APPENDIX 8. CONVERSION TABLES Metric to Imperial 1 tonnes/ha 0.4 tons/acre 100 kg/ha 80 units/acre 1 kg/tonne 2 units/ton 10 cm 4 inches 1 m gallons 1 m 3 /ha 90 gallons/acre 1 kg/m 3 9 units/1000 gallons 1 kg 2 units Note: A unit is 1% of 1 hundredweight, or 1.12 lbs Imperial to Metric 1 ton/acre 2.5 tonnes/ha 100 units/acre 125 kg/ha 1 unit/ton 0.5 kg/tonne 1 inch 2.5 cm 1000 gallons 4.5 m gallons/acre 11 m 3 /ha 1 unit/1000 gallons 0.11 kg/m 3 1 unit 0.5 kg Element to Oxide P to P 2 O 5 Multiply by K to K 2 O Multiply by Mg to MgO Multiply by S to SO 3 Multiply by 2.5 Na to Na 2 O Multiply by Na to salt Multiply by Oxide to element P 2 O 5 to P Multiply by K 2 O to K Multiply by MgO to Mg Multiply by SO 3 to S Multiply by 0.4 Na 2 O to Na Multiply by Salt to Na Multiply by Fluid fertiliser kg/tonne (w/w basis) to Multiply by specific gravity kg/m 3 (w/v basis) 172

17 SUBJECT INDEX Apple fruit analysis Biosolids, see sewage sludges Crop nitrogen requirement 10 Environment protection ammonia 28 nitrate 8, 27 28, 36, 142 Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ) 27, 33 phosphorus 17, 28 29, 142 Farm Waste Management Plans 33 Fertigation 123, 128 Fertilisers types 25 26, 171 nutrient content and availability 25 physical quality 25 Fertiliser application band spreading 106 calculation of application rate 73 maintaining spreaders and sprayers 27 selection of fertiliser type 25 26, 73 starter fertilisers 106 Fruit leaf analysis Grass Growth Classes 145 Heavy metals 51, 56 Industrial wastes 56 Liming and soil acidity 5 7, , 141 lime application 7, 120 lime recommendations 6 liming materials 6 7, 121, 171 optimum soil ph values 5, 120, 141 Magnesium 22, 37, 121, 141 fertiliser types 25 26, 171 Maintenance applications 20 MANNER 37, 47, 158 Nitrogen 8 16, assessing soil N supply economic optimum 8 9 effect of economic changes 16 efficiency of uptake by crops fertiliser types 25 26, 171 response curve 8 supply and loss processes 9 11 timing of application using the recommendation tables 57 71, Nutrients in crop material 168 Organic and peaty soils definitions 160 mineralisation 9, 12, 65, 164 Organic manures 31 56, 98, 139 forms of nitrogen manure application 47 48, 51, livestock excreta outputs 34 nitrogen availability and loss processes phosphate, potash and magnesium availability 37 sampling and analysis 35, sulphur availability 37 using manures and fertilisers together Organic manures, total and available nutrients cattle, pig, sheep and duck solid manures cattle slurry and dirty water pig slurry poultry manures sewage sludges (biosolids) Phosphorus and potassium 17 21, 140 building-up and running-down Indices 21 fertiliser types 25 26, 171 maintaining Indices 20 potash releasing clays 18 potash on light sand soils 19 rotational manuring 20, 94 soil analysis methods 18 soil Index classifications 167 target soil Indices using the recommendation tables 71 72, 147 Rainfall effect on nitrate leaching 11 effect on Soil Nitrogen Supply excess winter rainfall 11 rainfall map 61 Sewage sludges (biosolids) total and available nutrients heavy metals 56 Sodium 24, 73, 96 97, 101, 115, 141 fertiliser types 171 Soil Mineral Nitrogen (SMN) 9 11 definition 9 sampling and analysis 13, 63, 69, 146, Soil nitrogen ammonia volatilisation 9, 35 denitrification 9 fixation 9 leaching 9, 36 mineralisation 9, 36 post-harvest residues 8, 11 Soil Nitrogen Supply (SNS) definition 10 estimating crop nitrogen content 164 estimating leaching losses 11 estimating mineralisable nitrogen 12, 164 estimating Soil Mineral Nitrogen (SMN) 13 Soil Nitrogen Supply (SNS) Index tables arable and vegetables arable and vegetables (after grass) using the tables Soil Nitrogen Supply (SNS) Status (grass)

18 Soil sampling procedures ph, P, K, Mg 17, pre-planting fruit 120 Soil Mineral Nitrogen (SMN) Soil types definitions 160 soil physical properties 3 5 soil texture assessment 161 Sulphur 22-23, 141 atmospheric deposition map 23 diagnostic methods 23, 87, 90, 155 fertiliser types 171 Trace elements 24, 121, 130, 141 CROP INDEX Arable and Forage Crops Barley, spring 84, Barley, winter 80-81, Beans 91 Fodder beet 100 Forage maize Forage crops (rape, rye, swedes, triticale, turnips) Kale 100 Linseed, spring 89, 90 Mangels 100 Oats, spring 85, Oats, winter 82, Oilseed rape, spring 89, 90 Oilseed rape, winter 88, 90 Peas 91 Potatoes Rye, spring 85, Rye, winter 82, Ryegrass for seed 102 Stubble turnips 100 Sugar beet Triticale, spring 85, Triticale, winter 82, Wheat, spring 83, Wheat, winter 78 79, Vegetables Asparagus 107 Beetroot 115 Brussels sprouts 108 Bulbs 116 Cabbage 108 Calabrese 109 Carrots 115 Cauliflowers 109 Celery 110 Courgetttes 112 Dwarf beans 111 Leeks Lettuce 112 Onions, bulb and salad Parsnips 115 Peas, market pick 111 Radish 112 Runner beans 111 Swedes 115 Sweetcorn 112 Turnips 115 Fruit, vines and hops Apples, cider 122, Apples, dessert and culinary Blackberries 122, Blackcurrants 122, , Cherries 122, , Gooseberries 122, Hops 122, 133 Loganberries 122, Pears 122, , Plums 122, , Raspberries 122, , Redcurrants 122, Strawberries 122, 128, Tayberries 122, Vines 122, , Grassland Establishment 148 Grass silage Grass/clover swards, cutting 153 Grass/clover swards, grazing 151 Grazing, dairy 149, 152 Grazing, beef or sheep 150, 152 Hay

19 NOTES 176

20 177

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